Hotshot | Ricardo Goulart is the Brasileirao's current leading goalscorer with 9 goals in just 12 games

"Words cannot express how happy I am to be called up," said Corinthians midfielder Elias, who returns to international football for after a two-year absence.

"I have to thank God and my whole family, who have supported me through difficult times, as well as all the players, staff and supporters of Corinthians."

Teammate Gil, who received his first ever international call-up, also thanked those closest to him and added that he "intends to honour our Brazilian team with a lot of hard work and dedication."

Ricardo Goulart and Everton Ribeiro are also in line to make their international debuts, which would see them become the first players of Cruzeiro to take to the field in a Brazil shirt since Wagner in 2006.

"I'm very happy for the opportunity to represent my country," 23-year-old Goulart, who is the Brasileirao’s current leading goalscorer, told ESPN Brasil.

"It was a childhood dream and my goal since I became a professional footballer. I have to thank the fans and everyone at Cruzeiro, who always gave me all their support."

Number 1| Botafogo's Jefferson is determined to make the no.1 jersey his own

Everton Ribeiro, meanwhile, pledged to do all he can to represent his fine domestic form with the Selecao. "This is my first time in the senior Brazil squad and I will give as much as I do in my club."

Botafogo goalkeeper Jefferson was one of the ten members of Luiz Felipe Scolari’s World Cup squad who managed to retain his place in the squad and will battle it out with Napoli’s Rafael Cabral for a starting berth in North America.

HOMETOWN HEROES

PLAYER

CLUB

Jefferson

Botafogo

Gil

Corinthians

Elias

Corinthians

Everton Ribeiro

Cruzeiro

Ricardo Goulart

Cruzeiro

Diego Tardelli

Atletico Mineiro

"It’s time for me to make the position my own," he told Globo.

"With all the experience I have both in the Selecao and with Botafogo, it’s time to show that I have the level required by the national team… I will work very hard to win the respect of Dunga."

Atletico Mineiro striker Diego Tardelli also returns to the group following a lengthy absence, having not represented the Selecao since 2009. The 29-year-old has been in splendid form since sealing a return to Brazilian football in 2013, helping Galo to its first ever Copa Libertadores crown last year.

"I have to thank my family, my club Atletico Mineiro, and everyone who supported me! When we think something is impossible, God changes everything and makes it happen," he said via Instagram.